Asmirul Anuar Aris, the state executive councillor for tourism, said instructions were given today for the billboard to be removed.

It is one of three signboards at a Japanese monument marking the spot where three Japanese soldiers were killed while trying to destroy Alor Setar Bridge during the Japanese invasion of Malaya in the Second World War.

The bombs for the mission were carried by platoon commander Lieutenant Hajime Asai, on his motorcycle. They exploded before being placed.

The wording of the signboard had upset the Chinese community, which has long memories of atrocities committed by the Japanese military during the Occupation of Malaya from 1941-1945.

Asmirul told FMT the monument had been built during the time of the Barisan Nasional administration.

The Japanese Consulate and the Kedah Historical Society had recently asked the state to spruce up the monument area, and that was when the billboard was changed.

“It should have stated three Japanese soldiers, but it was written as three Japanese heroes.”

Asmirul said that, from now on, state government approval would be needed for all billboards being put up by associations.

He said he had also instructed that anti-war messages be added at the bottom of the signboard to remind youths to stand against war and reject racial sentiments which could lead to public disharmony.

“We want Malaysians to live in harmony and not be torn apart by race and religion,” he added.